alveolar2

alveolar2

comprise the alveolar capillary bed, in immediate contact with the lung alveoli.

alveolar2-capillary membrane

the membranous partition between the alveolar space and the venous blood, consisting of an alveolar epithelium and capillary endothelium.

alveolar2 cell

cover the alveolar surface. Type 1 cells are flattened and extended, offering maximum opportunity for oxygen diffusion, but vulnerable to damage and slow to repair. They cover the bulk of the healthy alveolar wall. Called also membranous pneumocytes. Type 2 cells are cuboidal and cover much less of the alveolar surface than do type 1 cells. Their function is to secrete surfactant in response to injury and the renewal and repair of the alveolar wall. Called also granular or secretory pneumocytes. See also alveolar epithelialization (below).

a disease of the newborn in which the alveoli are uneven in distribution and shape and there is too much interstitial tissue. The lungs are poorly aerated and retain their fetal appearance.

alveolar2 cyst

dilatations of pulmonary alveoli, which may fuse by breakdown of their septa to form large air cysts (pneumatoceles).

alveolar2 dead space

that part of the dead space located in the alveoli. The space in the alveoli where gaseous exchange does not occur.

alveolar2 duct

extensions from respiratory bronchioles that terminate in a number of alveoli-lined saccules through a common atrium.

alveolar2 dysplasia

see congenital alveolar dysplasia (above).

alveolar2 echinococcosis

see alveolar hydatid cyst (below).

alveolar2 emphysema

abnormal enlargement of the alveoli, the air spaces at the end of the bronchioles, with some destruction of the alveolar walls. Alveolar emphysema is rarely a problem except in the horse. See also chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

alveolar2 epithelial cells

cover the alveolar surface. Type 1 cells are flattened and extended, offering maximum opportunity for oxygen diffusion, but vulnerable to damage and slow to repair. They cover the bulk of the healthy alveolar wall. Called also membranous pneumocytes. Type 2 cells are cuboidal and cover much less of the alveolar surface than do type 1 cells. Their function is the secretion of surfactant in response to injury and the renewal and repair of the alveolar wall. Called also granular or secretory pneumocytes. See also alveolar epithelialization (below).

alveolar2 epithelialization

after severe damage to the alveolar lining there is a significant loss of type 1 membranous pneumocytes which are physiologically effective in gaseous transport but susceptible to injury. Their place may be taken by type 2 cells, the secretory pneumocytes, which are more cuboidal and active as producers of surfactant. The alveolar wall is thickened and is described as being in a stage of epithelialization.

alveolar2 fibroblast

connective tissue cells in the lungs with contractile functions, cell and matrix interactions, and secrete substances important to the mechanical properties of lung.

alveolar2 filling disorders

a group of incidental conditions characterized by the filling of alveoli by lipid-filled macrophages with minimal inflammation.

multivesicular, infiltrative form of hydatid cyst found in rodents, e.g. ground squirrel, field mouse.

alveolar2 lipoproteinosis

an accumulation of acidophilic, acellular material within pulmonary alveoli. The condition can be experimentally reproduced but has been associated with chronic interstitial pneumonia of goats. See also caprine arthritis-encephalitis.

alveolar2 macrophage

derived from monocytes in the bone marrow, contains many lysosomes and phagosomes, and forms a major element in the pulmonary defense mechanism.

alveolar2 metaplasia

a characteristic of pulmonary epithelial cells is their capacity to undergo metaplasia from one cell type to another. Called also transdifferentiation.

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